Split Series in Battle of Best Offense versus Best Defensive

- J. Andrew Lockwood -
Senior Editor of The Bear Zone/ Sports Columnist
james.andrew.lockwood@student.mercer.edu

In a much anticipated doubleheader matchup between the best offense in the nation and the stingiest defense, late game heroics propelled both squads to late game wins.  Florida Gulf Coast entered the game ranked #19 in the nation in the most recent Ultimate College Softball Poll, boasting ten players on the roster with batting averages over .300.  Across from the Eagles, the Bears came into the doubleheader ranked as the best defensive team in the nation based on fielding percentage.  A large part of the Bears’ success early in the season can be attributed to 1-2 punch of dominate pitchers Jenni Holtz and Lacey Richardson.

With a modest crowd on hand, Florida Gulf Coast (38-6, 8-2 A-Sun) looked impressive early, belting four homeruns in the late stages of the game to pick up a win in the first game.  Holtz (16-6) held the Eagles scoreless through three innings, but a Courtney Platt solo homerun (8) broke up the shutout.  Runs then came by the bunches as FGCU picked up three more in the following innings with homeruns by Cheyenne Jenks (20) and Platt.

Mercer made things interesting, scoring four of their own runs in the fifth and sixth innings, but the Eagles pulled away with a Jessica Paez two run homer to seal the first win, 7-5.  Despite a gutsy pitching effort, Jenni Holtz suffered the loss while the Eagles’ Catherine McDaniel improved to 17-0. 

Many critics thought Mercer’s best chance to beat the top 25 squad would be in the first contest with Holtz in the circle, but Lacey Richardson (8-5) raised a few eyebrows in route to a complete game win in the nightcap.  Struggling in her past few appearances, Richardson appeared gathered and cool under pressure the whole game despite surrendering a three run fifth inning. 

Again, the second game started slowly for both teams from the plate as the game remained scoreless going into the fifth.  After FGCU moved three runs across the plate, the Bears responded with three of their own.  Amanda Santa Maria’s homerun to left field got things started for Mercer, followed by timely hits from outfielders Holly Oglesbee and Jenny Goodman.

With a tied game heading into the seventh inning, Richardson held off a FGCU rally while Mercer loaded the bases later in the inning.  Facing reliever Morgan Campen, Emi Sherrill waited patiently at the plate as four balls sailed by her, walking in the winning run for the Bears.

It was an anticlimactic way to win the second game, but Mercer will gladly take the win against the best team in the conference.  When it mattered most, the best players for both teams showed up and proved why both of their squads are near the top of the Atlantic Sun.  Despite giving up three runs, Lacey Richardson pitched a gem of a game against the A-Sun’s ‘Murderer’s Row’ while FGCU’s hitters launched a few homeruns during the first contest. 

Both teams continue conference play with Mercer playing eight games on the road before facing ETSU, USC-Upstate, and Samford at home later this month while FGCU wraps up the season, playing eight of their final ten games at home.